FC releases February ranking for 2012 NHL Draft

Nail Yakupov has some new company a top Future Considerations ranking for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

For the first time this season, Yakupov will be joined in the top two with fellow Russian Mikhail Grigorenko. Grigorenko’s spot had been previously held by Everett Silvertips defenseman Ryan Murray, who remains as the top-ranked blueliner in 2012. Murray is chased closely by fellow Western Hockey League rearguard Mathew Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels. Injured Sarnia Sting forward Alex Galchenyuk – Yakupov’s OHL teammate – rounds out the top-5.

Belleville Bulls forward Brendan Gaunce jumps into the top-10 for the first time this season, rising two spots from his 12th position in January. Kitchener Rangers forward Radek Faksa continues his Jonathan Huberdeau-esque rise, jumping eight spots from 21 to 13.

After a strong 2012 World Junior Championship in Calgary, Russian goaltender Andrei Vasilevski made his debut in the top-30 as the top-ranked goaltender at 24. Ludvig Bystrom, Dalton Thrower and Teuvo Teravainen also debuted in FC’s ranking in February.